Mary Munns-Williams

Mary Munns-Williams, 82, of North Little Rock went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 11, 2007. She was born on July 9, 1924 to Reubin and Bertha Stipe. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her sisters, Phyllis Dodd and Ruby Trobough; a brother, Harold Stipe and by her husband of 37 years, Capt. J. E ?Eddie? Munns, Jr. She began singing in the church choir at age 12 and her voice developed to a magnificent soprano. She graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1942 and was offered a music scholarship from Julliard; however, she had to forego the scholarship when her father suddenly died and her income was needed at home. In 1944, she married J. E. Munns, Jr. who was a North Little Rock police officer and detective for 21 years. The couple raised two sons, Jim and Mike. She became a soloist for the Arkansas Choral Society and taught voice and piano lessons in her home. Her family attended Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church where she was the first choir director and also church organist. She began work for the city of North Little Rock in 1961 as a deputy to city clerk, Percy Machin. She then worked as an assistant to the city clerk. After her husband?s death in 1981, she immersed herself in her church, family and her job. She was appointed by the North Little Rock City Council as interim city clerk to fill the unexpired term of city Clerk Jackie Neil, who died in 1989 while still in office. ?Miss Mary? ran for the position of North Little Rock City Clerk and was elected to office in 1990 and became responsible for maintaining city records and collecting municipal revenues. She was determined to permanently preserve the old city records and was instrumental in placing all the city ordinances and resolutions on microfilm. She resolved to update her office to better serve the citizens of North Little Rock. She completed studies at the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and became a certified municipal clerk in 1993. She was known for her knowledge of the history of North Little Rock and delighted in sharing her knowledge about her beloved city. She retired as City Clerk of North Little Rock in December 2000 after working for the city for 39 years. In May 2000, she married Lawrence Williams, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel. They enjoyed helping in the food pantry at their church, sang in the choir and loved to travel. They were also both members of the North Little Rock Lion?s Club and always helped out wherever they were needed. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and a friend to all those who came in contact with her. She always had a smile and was tremendously optimistic and enthusiastic about life. She doted on her family. Her daughters in law became her daughters and she was always loving and supportive of her family and friends. She changed our lives for the better forever and left her imprint of love on our hearts. She is survived by her husband, Lawrence Williams, and her sons, James E. Munns, III and his wife, Pat; and Michael Munns and his wife, Cathey. Grandchildren are Kim Munns-Johnson and her husband, Mark; James Daniel Munns and his wife, Christina Nicole; David Munns and his wife, Laura; and John Munns and his fiance, Serena Burchett. Great grandchildren are Olivia Grace Johnson and William Stewart Johnson. She is also survived by her stepsons Larry Williams, Jr. and his wife, Beverly; and Clark Llewellyn and his wife, Beverly. Pallbearers will be David Munns, John Munns, James Daniel Munns, Mark Johnson, Chris Johannes, and Otha Warren. The family also wishes to thank St. Vincent hospital and Excel Hospital for their excellent medical care. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 13 from 6 to 8 pm at North Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral, 1921 Main, 758-1170, services will be held at 2 pm Wednesday, March 14 at Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church in North Little Rock conducted by Rev. Robert Hunt, Rev. Jerry Meeks and North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Hays followed by burial at Bethlehem Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church. Online obituary and guest register at www.northlittlerockfuneralhome.com.

Mary Munns-Williams

March 11, 1925 - March 11, 2007